Warm up in Randolph County - Coffee & Tea Shops

Warm up in Randolph County 

Check out locally-owned Coffee and Tea Shops you gotta' try on your next visit to the Heart of North Carolina! Fresh brewed drinks await! 

Randolph County is Archdale, Asheboro, Franklinville, Liberty, Ramseur, Randleman, Seagrove, Staley & Trinity.  Note that hours of operations vary with each business - please check out their web pages for hours and COVID safety measures. 

Archdale 

The Chat & Chew Café - Stop in to a café that  features a full coffee menu (with seasonal drinks), baked goods, and hand-dipped ice cream. Be sure to browse the gift shop featuring local artists' items and more that are perfect souvenirs.

        Address: 10301 N Main St, Archdale, NC 27263

The Coffee Bar - Have your cameras ready for a visit at The Coffee Bar in Archdale. They are home to weekly drink specials and backdrops that are perfect for capturing your hot or cold beverage - including a created outdoor patio space with a brick view. The coffee bar is near Salt of the Earth Boutique, a women's clothing shop that focuses on finding stylish modest clothing for the everyday woman. 

        Address:  10102 Suite H, S Main St, Archdale, NC 27263

The Wet Whistle Co - Enjoy coffee and more at The Wet Whistle Co - serving coffee, beer, and wine. Special evenings feature live entertainment. Explore the store and pick up a variety of NC and East Coast products. Carrying wines and beers from over thirty NC vineyards and breweries, this location is a can't miss. They also serve ice cream from Homeland Creamery. The Wet Whistle Co is in the shops of Bonnie Place in Archdale - the shops also offer a frozen yogurt shop and three locally-owned women's boutiques for gifts and apparel.

         Address: 101 Bonnie Pl, Archdale, NC 27263

Asheboro 

Arbol Mexican Ice Cream - Tucked away along Hwy 42, this specialty shop offers coffee, hot chocolate, ice cream and more in this Mexican-fusion shop. Be sure to visit on the weekends for special treats such as tamales fresca (sweet strawberry-infused). The beautiful indoor and outdoor space enhance the experience of this unique shop of Asheboro. 

            Address: 161 NC-42 Ste E, Asheboro, NC 27203

   The Black Lantern Tea Shop & Bakery  - Opened in October 2021 in Downtown Asheboro, Black Lantern Tea Shop and Bakery offers 26 different hot and iced teas and fresh made daily baked goods. The baked goods include sweet treats, truffles, parfaits, quiche, cheesecake, mini tea sandwiches, chicken salad, ham salad, and pasta salad. Daily selections may vary. Some of the treats even feature tea - Earl Grey macaron anyone? You will be welcomed with an inviting storefront featuring greenery and pet portraits. 

            Address: 137 Sunset Ave, Asheboro, NC 27203

Bold Coffee Co - Bold Coffee Co is a reflection of the owners making bold decisions and dreaming big. This coffee shop started out as a mobile catering/wedding cart. It is Asheboro's newest coffee shop that opened in December 2021. Bold Coffee Shop specializes in light roast coffee and more. Don't be surprised to find the Lumberjack, a maple candied bacon latte on the menu.   

            Address:  103 N Fayetteville St. Asheboro, NC 27203 

  Brewskie's - Feel welcome with large billboards right beside Brewskies inviting you inside. Brewskie's offers coffee, flatbreads and a full bar. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can remain caffeinated the whole day at Brewskie's. 

            Address: 730 S Fayetteville St, Asheboro, NC 27203

     Carriage House Tea - This tea house and art gallery are located inside the historic Brightside Gallery opened in 2014. Warm up with a cup of freshly brewed tea. Creating and selling loose leaf tea in both traditional blends and in house recipes, Carriage House Tea prides itself on fusing old world charm with modern day selections.  Their tea is small batch blended and completely hand packed, labeled and sealed by professionals who truly care about what they are doing. The Carriage Tea House offers a calendar of events that are worth visiting.  

            Address: 170 Worth St, Asheboro, NC 27203 

      The Coffee Xchange on 42 - Randolph's County oldest Coffee Shop, the Coffee Xchange is the place to hang. Get your freshly roasted coffee in a laidback atmosphere with plenty of couch space for you to sit. The Coffee Xchange on 42 also serves craft beer. Stay for awhile and play foosball or pool, while you visit. 

            Address:  191 E, NC-42, Asheboro, NC 27203

    Nannie Mae's - Named after the owner's own grandmother, Nannie Mae's opened its door in Downtown Asheboro in November 2021. They have coffee, tea, and bakery items ready for quick pick up or grab a seat with a view of Sunset Avenue. 

            Address: 108 Sunset Ave, Asheboro, NC 27203

     The Table Farmhouse Bakery - The Table feels equal parts upscale and laidback, serving up bright, airy vibes in a polished space where it is hard not snap a few photos of before enjoying your coffee or meal. With welcome white umbrellas in the front of the shop, the table features coffee, teas and seasonal specialties that are a can't miss. 

            Address: 139 S Church St, Asheboro, NC 2720

Franklinville

    Franklinville Diner - This diner in Franklinville serves the best food in the town (at least that is what it says on the window). They keep the coffee pouring during operating hours and offer lunch and dinner options that's home-cooking. Be sure to try the made-from-scratch biscuits and gravy

            Address: 159 W Main St, Franklinville, NC 27248

Liberty 

 Y'all Come Back Café  - 

Serving breakfast and lunch in Liberty, Y'all Come Back Cafe is the place to be. Serving coffee, pancakes and more. While they may not have cappuccinos or lattes - this is a local establishment ready to keep your coffee cup full. 

 Address: 

119 S Fayetteville St, Liberty, NC 27298

Ramseur 

   Ramseur Country Diner - Stop in for a cup of coffee and stay for the daily specials. Specials include 2-3 pies made fresh and served daily. Try it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where coffee is always available. 

            Address:  140 N Brady St, Ramseur, NC 27316

Randleman 

   Randleman Café - Located in Downtown Randleman this charming café serves breakfast and lunch at reasonable prices with coffee being the first drink on the drink menu. Don't miss the daily lunch special either. 

            Address:  224 S Main St, Randleman, NC 27317

Have a favorite? Missing a must-stop? Share with us #TheHeartofNorthCarolina 

Learn More about dining in Randolph County here 

Haunts and Spooks in the Heart of NC

**Note that at the time of publication COVID-19 is still affecting operations of businesses, and events please review and plan ahead as hours and event recommendations can change.*** 

Make your heart skip a beat with the haunts and spooks of Heart of NC these attractions are perfect for the Halloween season (September and October) to get your chills and thrills that keep you up at night with award-winning haunts and family fun.

Family Fun

     
Boo at the NC Zoo - Enjoy this family-friendly zoo tradition with Boo at the NC Zoo and Pumpkin Palooza. Boo at the zoo features trick or treating for children, and live music. Pumpkin Palooza gives you the option to see animals be enrichment as they play with Pumpkins. 

There are also opportunities for photos with decorated trails and photos spots. It’s the fall event of the North Carolina Zoo. This year's event will be celebrated for TWO weekends!

Address -  4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205

More Information 

                      

Halloween at Zooland Family Campground  - Family fun Halloween celebration during the month of October. This Halloween tradition includes; pumpkin carving, trick or tricking, costume contests, hayride, and a haunted house. There is also be a DJ playing spooktacular tunes all weekend long. Make reservations for a weekend stay at Zooland Family Campground to experience this seasonal favorite. 

Address -  3671 Pisgah Covered Bridge Road, Asheboro, North Carolina 27205

More Information 

Award-winning haunts  

Spooky Woods at Kersey Valley - From the moment you arrive, you are fair game to all of the haunted creatures that reside on Kersey Valley land. Spookywoods has been a North Carolina tradition since 1985 and is known as one of America’s most famous haunted attractions. This haunted house has 15 scenes to walk through and along the way, you’ll encounter a few surprises.

Address - 1615 Kersey Valley Rd, Archdale, NC 27263

More Information 

           

Spooky Bottom Haunted Trail - Winning Fear Carolina‘s 2020 - 2021‘s Victims Choice Awards for best-haunted attraction in North Carolina was a hair-raising experience. This will be their best year yet, with all new scenes and an overall longer experience. Witness backwoods horror like never before. Do you have what it takes?

Address - 6059 Union Grove Church Rd, Seagrove, NC 27341

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Haunted Hallow  - The newest Haunted Attraction in Asheboro, NC. Can you survive the horrors that reside on Happy Hollow Road? Admission costs only $20 

Address - 4149 Happy Hollow Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205

More Information 

Historical Haunts   

Historic Downtown Asheboro Ghostwalk -  The Historic Downtown Asheboro Ghostwalk is a walking tour allowing stops along the way at iconic landmarks with several characters from the past and reenactments of the events that make our community what it is today. Spooky and factual, suggested for mature audiences.

Address - Walking Tour starts at 241 Sunset Ave, Asheboro, NC 27203

More Information 

Want to know more? Visit HeartofNorthCarolina.com for places to stay and additional experiences.

Order a FREE travel guide and check out the listing of annual events on our bit.ly/HNCVBCalendar . We look forward to following along on your visit. Tag us at #theHeartofNC.

Award-Winning Finds in the Heart of NC

 

For some “winning” is a room filled with trophies and medals—or that long-awaited promotion. For others, it may be a houseful of family over the holidays. Whatever your ‘winning in life’ moments are, find new ones with this list of award-winning experiences from the Heart of North Carolina.

Drum roll, please……YOU are the ultimate winner of an unforgettable visit with your closest family and friends.

Photo from Charlotte Parent

Ø 🏆 Wildlife Conservation Award: North Carolina Zoo –The North Carolina Zoo was spotlighted by Nat Geo WILD! as they premiered “Secrets of the Zoo: North Carolina” in 2020. The recipient of recognition for their regional and international animal conservation efforts in the wild for over two decades, the zoo is also the largest natural habitat zoo in the world! It protects all aspects of the natural world, from vultures and gorillas in Africa to endangered plants and amphibians that are native to North Carolina. Find out how you can save wildlife—and the planet—by visiting https://www.nczoo.org/conservation. 

Kyle Petty Charity Ride for Victory Junction Camp |Photo: NASCAR.com

Ø 🏆 Social Impact Award: Richard Petty & Petty Family Attractions – NASCAR roots begin with the Petty family and is showcased within the Petty Family Attractions and Petty Museum. The King of NASCAR, Richard Petty is a seven-time Cup Series champion and won a record of 200 races during his career. Of all the accomplishments in his career, Petty thinks of his family as his number one trophy. To honor his late grandson Adam’s memory and build upon his inspired dream, the Petty family created Victory Junction, a NASCAR-themed camp to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. To date, Victory Junction has provided over 50,000 children opportunities of a lifetime. 

Eck McCanless Pottery

Ø    🏆 Creative Inspiration Award: Seagrove Pottery community – Collecting pottery is a MUST if you are passionate about supporting the arts while checking off bucket list travel. Visit with more than 100 working potters in Seagrove, the #1 American Craft Town. Explore at your own pace, duck into a studio to see work being made, try a class at Thomas Pottery, and choose from a wide variety of styles and colors. 

Ø 🏆 Most Frightening Award: Fall at Kersey Valley’s Spookywoods Haunted Attraction – A tradition that began in 1985 with a group of teenage boys and a game of ‘dare’ is now one of America’s top haunted attractions. From the moment you arrive at Kersey Valley Attractions, you are fair game to each haunted creature residing on the property. Encounter special effects of light, sound, smell, dense atmosphere, air pressure, and liquid. With 13 themed sets along the haunt, you will leave with an understanding of how Spookywoods is one of the scariest scream parks in America according to Hauntworld.com. Encounter a little less fright that is completely family-friendly by experiencing the seasonal Sunflower Extravaganza (mid-August to mid-September) and Maize Adventure – a Cornfield Maze (mid-September to early November). 

Ø 🏆 Entertainers of the Year Award: The Liberty Showcase Theater – Think you have missed your chance to hear legendary artists such as The Oak Ridge Boys, Doug Stone, The Kentucky Headhunters, Kathy Mattea and more perform their chart-topping hits? Look no further than The Liberty Showcase Theater located in charming Downtown Liberty. Dewey & Leslie Brown are an entertainment power couple with deep connections to the bluegrass music industry. They invite nostalgic entertainers (and friends!) to their intimate venue. Dewey played fiddle with the legendary Dr. Ralph Stanley for more than 12 years and Leslie is an accomplished bass player, songwriter, and vocalist who loves clogging and square dancing. For a complete list of upcoming scheduled musicians visit TheLibertyShowcase.com. 

     🏆 High Flying Aviation Award: NC Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame – Step back in time at the NC Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame by viewing a Piper J-3 Flitfire, flown by Orville Wright. The past meets the present as visitors learn the importance of aviation history with displays throughout two hangars – great photo ops here! Continue your journey through history by seeing a stunning A-26 bomber used in combat during the Vietnam War, built in 1943. With an expansive collection of military artifacts and civilian memorabilia from WWI to the present including an impressive collection of military vehicles, weapons, and uniforms, you will even see a Presidential Limousine. 

Ø 🏆 Get Outdoors Award: Deep River State Trail – Familiarize yourself with the natural and historical features that can be found in the Heart of North Carolina by exploring the Deep River State Trail. Recognized as a valuable resource to healthy living, it was designated as an official State Trail in 2007. Currently, hikers enjoy five miles of trail (with more planned) that are home to native wildlife creatures such as great blue herons, river otters, and osprey. Three designated trailheads serve as starting points for outdoor recreation of bicycling, hiking, walking, jogging, and paddling. 

Ø 🏆 Freshest Farm Escape Award: Millstone Creek Orchards – Return to nature at Millstone Creek Orchards, a family-owned, u-pick farm experience. They’ve been connecting travelers with seasonal produce—berries, peaches, pecans, apples, and pumpkins—for almost two decades. Plan to make memories with your family when you tour the 80-acre property with fishing ponds, a covered porch, and scrumptious apple cider slushies. Don’t forget to take home local goodies from the Apple Barn Country Store. They sell honey, jams, jellies, and Goat Lady Dairy cheeses. 

When can we expect you? Visit  HeartofNorthCarolina.com for places to stay and special military discount offers! Find us in the center of North Carolina, an hour and a half drive from Raleigh and Charlotte; we’re only two hours from Fayetteville, NC.

Order a FREE travel guide and check out the listing of annual events on our bit.ly/HNCVBCalendar . We look forward to following along on your visit. Tag us at #theHeartofNC.